Steven Gerrard Identifies Jeremy Jacquet as Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool Successor

Liverpool have spent much of the past decade building their defensive identity around Virgil van Dijk. Finding someone capable of eventually inheriting that responsibility has long appeared among the club’s most daunting challenges. Steven Gerrard, however, believes the answer may already be playing alongside the Dutchman.

Speaking to SPORTbible, the former Liverpool captain has identified Jeremy Jacquet as the player best equipped to succeed Van Dijk, whose current contract expires in June 2027.

It is an intriguing endorsement of a young defender whose Liverpool career remains in its infancy, particularly given the considerable expectations surrounding his arrival at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard Praises Liverpool Defender Jeremy Jacquet

Jacquet’s emergence has provided considerable encouragement during Andoni Iraola’s opening months as Liverpool head coach.

The 21-year-old Frenchman arrived following a deal worth up to £60million, agreed in January before he completed the previous campaign on loan at Stade Rennais.

Liverpool needed defensive reinforcements following Ibrahima Konaté’s departure, and Jacquet has responded impressively to the demands of Premier League football.

Having featured in every Liverpool fixture this season, the defender has contributed to a back line that recorded three consecutive league clean sheets across its opening five matches.

Gerrard has clearly recognised those qualities.

“I love him, I’ve been very impressed with him from the opening pre-season friendlies,” Gerrard told SPORTbible. I think he’s got a composure and a fantastic profile and he can move.

“I think there’s still a bit of rawness about him. But, I think there’s another level which he can get to and I think he’s going to be the perfect replacement for Virg in a year or two because he’s really helped solidify that back four.”

Those observations carry particular significance because Gerrard understands the standards expected of Liverpool’s most influential players.

Virgil van Dijk Contract Raises Questions About Liverpool’s Future

Van Dijk turns 36 next July, and his contractual situation inevitably invites questions about Liverpool’s longer-term defensive planning.

Reports linking the Dutch international with AC Milan have added another dimension to those discussions.

His influence remains substantial. Van Dijk has helped Liverpool register 111 Premier League clean sheets during his time at Anfield, alongside collecting eight major trophies.

Gerrard has also described him as Liverpool’s finest current player, reflecting the extraordinary consistency that has characterised his career.

With Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson having departed following the 2025/26 campaign, another significant change would represent a further transition for a squad already adapting to a different era.

Liverpool must therefore consider succession carefully, particularly in a position where experience, authority and tactical understanding are indispensable.

Andoni Iraola Has Opportunity to Develop Liverpool’s Next Defensive Leader

Jacquet’s development offers Iraola an opportunity to establish continuity within Liverpool’s defence.

The Frenchman’s mobility appears particularly suited to a system requiring defenders to operate confidently in open spaces and respond quickly when possession changes hands.

His composure also suggests a player capable of assuming greater responsibility as his experience grows.

There will inevitably be difficult afternoons. Young central defenders learn through mistakes, particularly when competing against the Premier League’s most accomplished attackers.

Yet playing alongside Van Dijk provides an invaluable education.

Liverpool also have Giovanni Leoni recovering from a hamstring injury, offering another promising prospect within their longer-term defensive plans.

For Jacquet, the immediate challenge is maintaining his impressive early standards. Gerrard’s prediction suggests that Liverpool may already have discovered a central figure for their next generation.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Gerrard’s comments are fascinating because Jacquet has already demonstrated qualities that usually take young defenders several seasons to develop.

There is something wonderfully reassuring about watching a 21-year-old approach Premier League football with such composure. His positioning, recovery pace and willingness to take responsibility suggest Liverpool have recruited a genuinely exceptional prospect.

What particularly interests me is the relationship developing between Jacquet and Van Dijk.

We have spent years wondering how Liverpool could possibly replace one of the greatest centre-backs in the club’s history. Perhaps the smartest solution involves allowing the successor to learn directly from the man himself.

Van Dijk’s organisational intelligence, reading of danger and leadership remain extraordinary assets. Imagine what another season or two alongside him could do for Jacquet’s development.

I would certainly be exploring another contract extension for Van Dijk, provided his performances continue to justify it.

There is also an important financial consideration. Liverpool have committed a substantial sum to Jacquet, and his early performances suggest that investment could prove exceptionally shrewd.

Under Iraola, defenders must possess the athleticism and confidence to handle demanding situations. Jacquet appears naturally equipped for those responsibilities.

Of course, replacing Van Dijk involves considerably more than matching his physical attributes. Leadership develops through experience, adversity and the confidence of teammates.

Nevertheless, Gerrard’s endorsement reinforces what many Liverpool supporters are beginning to suspect.

Jeremy Jacquet could become one of the defining signings of Liverpool’s next great team.

And watching that potential unfold alongside Van Dijk might be the most encouraging part of all.